The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-05-15
PEI CHILDREN At flBLK.
A NUISANCE THAT OUGHT TO
BE ABB KfED BY MOTHERS.
A Tonic for Prohlbltionists - Men
Selling Female Underwear-Ihe
King as . Bpjo Player.
IoosnEsrorDrrc. or rHs AryrI1.l


iooRRKsP0BDEHos or THE APrEALI
BosTON, May 13.-The question
as TO what percentage Of alcohol
should enter into the composition of
socalled temperance" beverages is
at present agitating the local commu-
nifty 0f46 different kind, of "bit-
ter" and "toDics" recently analysed
by the State Board Of Health, only
seven contained less than 10 per cent.
Of proof spirits. Sixteen more held
between 10 aud 20 per cent of alco-
hol 10 solution, IL showed the pres
ence Of from 20 to 30 per cent, and
in seven the percentage was 40 or
over. One brand of Temperance
bitters, in which was found AZ per
cent. Of clear whisky, was adorned
with a label stating that total alb
stainers who consumed it were both
pleased and surprised at its comfort
ing and exhilarating effects" A
New York dealer puts up all kinds
Of mixed drinks in little bottles,
packed in neat pasteboard cases la
beled "tOnicp and 80 artfully dis
guised that to be seen in the act of
getting outside thereof would not
bring the blush Of confusion to the
cheek Of the most pious vestryman.
These preparations are sent by mail
VI 90 per doxen-to any address. A
scripture quotation printed on the
outside Of the wrapper renders their
harmlessness conspicuous. The
medicine does not have to be tax, n
in a capsule, though a straw may be
used to protect the teeth from its
chemical action. 1t is to be feared
that the publication of these grim
facts will compel the godly church
deacon to take his spiritus frumenti
IN future like other people-undis-
guised.
SOCIAL ABsURDITY.
| can scarce imagine a more amus-
ing social affectation than that which
excited my attention the other even
ing at small dinner party given by
some intensely swell people on Com
monwealth avenue. 1t was a very
formal affair-rather stiff, indeed,
than otherwise-but one feature of
the entertainment was sufficiently
remarkable to merit description.
There are two children in the fam
Ily, girl and boy of ten and eleven
years respectively. Very naturally,
they were not given seats at the ia
BILE, but they were present, neverthe-
less. The oherubs stood at either
end OF the festive board throughout
the long repast, the boy leaning upon
his mothers shoulder and the girl
reclining gracefully upon that of her
tather.. The attitude of each was
studied-doubtless the result of ia
tiguing drill-and, at intervals, they
Joined in the general conversation.
somewhat as follows: The hostess
would introduce the discussion Of
MIR; Browning's poetry, and after
each one OF the guests had expressed
an opinion, favorable or otherwise.
regarding that gentlemans verses,
she would refer the matter laugh
ingly to her little daughter" and
the latter, being primed with an APP
propriate speech, would spring
the same with charming naivete
upon the assembled company.
OF course the iniantile bon
mot would elicit applause,
whereat the artless ingenue would
hide IN odest blush upon her papa s
bosom. Next came the boys turn to
utter an impromptu wittioism-re-
oeived with such expressions as
"Doosid clevah, by Jovel" etc-and
80 on, until the ladies took their de-
parture, when the kindergarten was
retired to the nursery, and the men,
with a sign of reliet, betook them
selves to their cigars. 1t was at this
very dinner party, by the way, that |
had an opportunity to observe, for
the first time, the newest fashionable
method OF eating bananas. The
proper way, it seems, to discuss that
nutritious vegetable is to nibble it
gingerly in slices from the point OF
dessert knife blade. The knife should
be held tightly between the thumb
and forefnger, with the other digits
extended as widely as possible, the
operation thus exhibiting delicacy
that distinguishes it from the ordi-
nary cutthroat hash scooplng of the
plebeian boarding house. This style
Of gObbling, when applied to other
omestibles, is unutterably vulgar;
but, so far as bananas are concerned,
fashion has declared it quite the
thing,
THE BABY AS A NUISANCE.
Speaking about having children at
the table reminds me of fellow |
knew very well at college, who has
since married and reared a cozy lit
tie family here in Boston. They are
charming people and give the best of
dinners. / used to dine with them
quite often, en- tamille, but have been
compelled almost to cease accepting
their kind invitations, owing 10 the
annoyance inflicted by an infant of
two winters aud q late spring, who
makes his appearance regularly with
the apples and nuts, and, being placed
in high chair with fork and spoon
in either hand to drum with, proceeds
to destroy the comfort of everybody
present, From this time on all CON
versatiou is interrupted, the general
attention being concentrated upon
the baby, who is presently invited to
toast the company in glass of cham
pagBe. This he does with knowing
air that would do credit TO a connois-
seur, and shortly after, becoming
hilarious from the effects of the wine,
begins to throw tho table furniture at
his indulgent mamma. Being mildly
reproved for this, he screams wrath
fully, and finally, having passed into
the maudlin stage, he is carried
off bowling by the nurse. After see-
ing this performance repeated, with
slight variations, three or four times,
it ceased to be amusing. | really do
not think the parents had the slight